| North American A-36 |
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| u.s. attack aircraft 1940-1949 | |
| a-36, north american | |
| world war ii american ground attack aircraft | |
| north american aviation aircraft | |
| a-36 | |
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The North American Invader (not to be confused with the same name given to the Douglas A-26 ) was the name for the '''A-36''' ground-attack/dive-bomber version of the North American P-51 Mustang , from which it could be distinguished by the rectangular, slatted Dive Brake s above and below the wings. The RAF did not order any A-36's so the name was seldom used and the A-36's used by the USAAC in Italy were usually referred to as "Mustangs". There were several reasons for the P-51 to be modified as a dive-bomber. The Americans were impressed by the German Ju 87 Stuka dive-bomber and wanted a model of their own. The other reason is that the Mustang was still ill-considered by the USAAF and that no credits could be obtained for it. The Mustang was quickly modified as a dive-bomber and pressed into service. The A-36 was used with success as a dive-bomber, acquiring a reputation for precision, sturdiness and silence. A myth exists that the dive brakes on the A-36 were dangerous and that they were wired shut. "I flew the A-36 for 39 of my 94 missions, from 11/43 to 3/44. They were never wired shut in Italy in combat. This 'wired shut' story apparently came from the training group at Harding Field, Baton Rouge, LA." Capt. Charles E. Dills, 27th Fighter Bomber Group, 522nd Squadron, XIIth Air Force. RELATED CONTENT
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